Will B2B be the next big trend in online print? Actually, the potential that lies in business-to-business relationships is nothing new and has been known for a long time. But more and more online printers and print brokers, whose focus has long been on SMEs or even end consumers, are right now deliberately expanding their customer group in this direction. Now Helloprint has also introduced a new print API specifically for corporations and franchises.
Among other things, Helloprint wants to counter two problems that large companies with multiple locations or branches often have: Namely, on the one hand, that the quality remains the same and the specifications regarding corporate identity are permanently adhered to, and on the other hand, that the printed matter is simultaneously produced as sustainably as possible.
In the future, these companies will be able to access Helloprint’s product portfolio via a single solution using the new Enterprise API. The Dutch company’s network of printers in Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia, is intended to ensure that the production of the required printed matter can take place as close to the point of use as possible, thereby not only shortening delivery times but also reducing the “footprint”.
“While our technology suite has long been able to integrate with core systems of large enterprises, such as ERPs, brand portals and DAMs […], the further development of the API means that we can now work with almost any system through our partner network,” explains Helloprint CEO Hans Scheffer.
In parallel with the beta testing of the API over the past few years, Helloprint has also expanded its product portfolio in order to be able to offer and supply as many printing needs as possible from a single source to the targeted new customer group. In addition, the online printing platform headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is also active in more and more countries: just last November, Helloprint announced its entry into Sweden.
The next few months will show how Helloprint’s new Enterprise API will be accepted by the market. However, examples such as Gelato have been showing for years that focusing on the B2B market can work. One thing is certain, however: in order to serve this demanding market well in the long term, more than “just” an API is needed. Although the technical component is what generally makes networking possible in the first place, the services, communication, and handling of problems also play a not insignificant role for business customers.
